I must thank the exhibitors who gave me the honour of judging the second highest entry in the Utility Group at 223 Dalmatians. This is a delight for a judge, having such numbers and depth of quality from which to make choices. I am conscious, on the other hand, that it also meant that there were only awards available for less than half the exhibits. For this reason, I extend my congratulations not just to the winners, but to everyone for contributing to the spectacular which is Crufts.
As usual, my assessment of the dogs excluded any consideration for their show record. A judge must be honest to him/her self and judge the dog-on-the-day. I was seeking the Dalmatian which epitomised the role of an endurance trotting carriage dog – and found many examples, which made decisions on several occasions extremely close. On the negative side, many exhibitors spoiled their dogs chances by moving them much too fast. This causes a dog to take an ever shortening stride, and an undesirable and inefficient ‘trit-trot-trit-trot’ movement, not befitting a carriage dog. If the dog were not on a lead, it would naturally break into a canter! Short upper arms , sadly, remain a major fault, causing straight fronts and short strides.
I was very fortunate to have extremely competent and efficient stewards, who not only kept the ring moving but also regularly updated me on judging rate.

VD (13 Entries, 1 Absent)

1. Goff-Leggett CH WASHAKIE NUTCRACKER PRINCE JW 7y b/w. Dense pigmentation. Head of correct proportions. Presents a sound outline. Deep chest to elbow, good length of rib and strong loin. Balanced proportions and angulation giving fluid stride with rear drive complemented with good reach from forequarters.
2. McCarthy KILNDANDY OLD COPPER Immaculately presented 7y l/w. Strong bone, straight foreleg and correct spring of pastern. Defined sternum, nice spring of rib. Collected and relaxed on the move, providing smooth coordinated action with hind feet tracking fore well
3. O'Brien, Fisher & Stafford CH ROCKSTAR THANEWOOD FREEWHEELING 7y l/w of substance. Well muscled and presented in hard condition throughout. Pleasing in profile with correct ratio of body length to height. Well laid back shoulders and sound angulation of quarters. Powerful rhythmic stride.

MPD (1.0)

1. Goff-Leggett WASHAKIE SHOSHONE CHIEF 8m Boldly spotted b/w, with appealing head and expression. Symmetrical in outline and displaying surprising maturity and substance for his tender age. Good forequarter angulation and nice bend of stifle. Level topline held on move. Nice length of stride at this stage of development.

PD (7, 1)

1. Forrest ELABRI ESPRIT HORIZON AT SPOTSWOOD 11m l/w whose over-exuberance risks hiding what is a basically very sound Dalmatian beneath. Solid proportions and balanced conformation throughout. Correct length depth and spring of rib. Defined wither, good lay of shoulder and return of upper arm. When settled on the move, shows the required economy of action with good reach and drive. BPD and BPIB.
2. Green & Sears ELABRI ESCADA SUNSET HEAT BY JUDALLY L/w litter brother of 1 and displaying many of his attributes. Viewed across the ring, shows pleasing make and shape in profile. Straight forelegs, round bone. Strong loin and level topline. Nice angulation of quarters. Strode out and covered the ground well.
3. Richardson MAPPLEWELL DYNAMITE Upstanding 11m l/w of nice colour. Appealing head and kind expression. Nicely proportioned body. Sound forequarters with strong bone, tight feet and required slight spring of pastern. Moved out with purpose.

JD (8, 0)

1. Hopkin RAPANOOEY RASUL L/w who struck me on first consideration with his smooth flowing outline, not least length to height ratio, complementary quarters angulation, deep chest and correct underline and tuck up. Accordingly, his fluid balanced action was no surprise. Easy decision on the day.
2. Samkin RAPANOOEY RIDHA L/w litter brother of 1. Attractive head with dark eye. Clean neck into wither, level topline and muscled loin. Nice length and spring of rib. Firm hindquarters. Moved well especially in profile.
3. McCarthy DOMDALLINO JE SUIS KILNDANDY Well spotted l/w of excellent colour and presented in pristine condition. Well toned muscles throughout. Deep chest, and ribcage of good spring and length. Balanced quarters used to advantage.

YD (14, 0)
Three excellent representatives of the breed who will serve it well for the future.
1. Casey IR CH BUFFREY POP GOES THE WEASEL AT MOYGLASS Was immediately taken by this young b/w. Displays real substance and bone without any coarseness. Masculine head, not overdone. Deep chest and ribs carried well back. Generous reach provided by sound forequarters, and driving well from rear. Pushed hard in the challenge and surely a bright future ahead.
2. Cadden PHADANTE JAMBALAHA JW Striking b/w just out of junior, and continuing to mature at a sensible pace. Animated with friendliest of disposition. Bold spotting , dense pigmentation. Sound conformation throughout enables him to display the reach and length of stride on the move to perform the role of carriage dog.
3. Quayle CUBALIBRE SHINE ON Well presented, boldly spotted b/w with good head and eye. Sound in make and shape, particularly angulated quarters. Firm muscle, well boned. Composed and balanced on the move, tracking well.

PGD (13, 0)

1. Thompson BOUTONNEUX LITTLE PAWS This b/w won his class on his relaxed movement, combining reach and drive to achieve the desired long stride and effortless motion. Well placed shoulders and better length of upper arm than many. Not in the best of coats, but had to forgive that on the day in light of his quality movement.
2. Tingey DALLYADOR ARAMIS L/w in peak of muscle tone exemplified by strong loin. Ample bone and strong quarters. Good depth and length of rib. Earned his place on the final circuit of the ring as he moved with the true action of an endurance trotting dog
3. Blissett SHYDALLY'S KING ARTHUR OF KYSTUNO B/w with attractive masculine head and dark eye giving kind expression. Sound overall conformation with deep chest. Moved steadily at correct pace.

MLD (17, 1)

1 Edens DALENS HOT GOSSIP JW SHCM Have always observed this l/w to be a consistent showman who from the ringside displays a conformation that is hard to fault. Well boned, masculine and of substance, yet retaining the elegance of a carriage dog. This is reflected in his effortless movement, covering the ground with ease.
2. Mrsic HERBERIENSIS HARD HICKORY This b/w could not be ignored when he moved round the ring. Composed and coordinated smooth action, using quarters to advantage with good reach and drive. Strong bone, toned muscles and firm muscled loin.
3. Alcock CREAGANBREC FACE OF BEAU AT DALSPARTAN SHCM L/w enjoying his day. Sound forequarters with well laid back shoulder. Level topline held on the move, correct tail set and carriage, good bend of stifle. Steady rhythmic stride.

LD (15, 2)

1. Pratt GWYNMOR FINCH HATTON AT SOLOSTAR B/w who was certainly on form today. Sound construction and conformation with each part flowing smoothly to the next. Dense spotting on tight coat. Strong bone, straight foreleg, angulated quarters. Defined wither into level topline, correct tail carriage. Capacious chest. Well let down hocks. Impressed on move.
2. Bolt FAKENHAM FERRERA ROCHER Outgoing l/w with balanced angulation of front and rear quarters. Level topline leading to correct set on of tail. Chest to elbow and good length of ribcage. Typifies the movement of a quality Dalmatian.
3. Nicholls HARVEY NICHOLLS DE PUECH BARRAYRE B/w with correct front and good bone. Well ribbed body and firm loin. Used quarters to advantage to provide free movement around the ring, which warranted his place in a strong class.

OD (18, 1)

1. Whincup CH TAMILANDA PANTHER LILLY JW SHCM Upstanding b/w on his toes commanding attention, and much to like about him. Correct head, dark eye and appealing expression. Gently arched neck through defined withers to level back and strong loin. Good front angulation with pleasing length of upper arm. Nice turn of stifle. All contributed to a relaxed movement with a long reaching stride. Showed to the very end. Worthy DCC
2. Beeres CH ANMADEKE'S ALL OVER THE WORLD Drawn to this b/w as he entered the ring. Dense pigmentation and bold spotting. Firm throughout, well muscled, capacious chest and good spring of rib. Well angulated with good turn of stifle and defined hocks. Excellent drive from rear as he covered the ground with ease. All the characteristics of a carriage dog. RCC.
3. Hagman SE UCH GÖTFULLS CROWN PRINS Upstanding masculine b/w. Well laid back shoulders and return of upper arm. Nicely arched neck into defined wither and level topline. Another effortless mover.

GCD (7, 0)

1. D HOT GOSSIP JW SHCM
2. De Rozario DALLEAF D'ACCORD AVEC JEMBLEWOOD L/w unfortunate to have been in such a strong MLD class as he is basically a soundly constructed carriage dog of good make and shape. Good bone and muscle tone with firm body. Moved well.
3. S KING ARTHUR OF KYSTUNO

VB (10, 4)
Line up in this class provided a snapshot of the depth of quality in bitches.
1. Cuthbertson CH KALSIDONI GARNET JW SHCM Youthful looking 9y b/w in prime condition. Well constructed throughout with conformation which flows through from end to end. Strong bone with substance. Good chest and rib. Well angulated and balanced fore and aft. Certainly still displays her fluid movement, covering the ground so well.
2. Smallwood CH MAPPLEWELL DANCING QUEEEN OF LASCELLES Beautiful 9y l/w with such neat flowing lines, and presented in pristine condition and tone. Ample bone, nice spring and length of rib. Clearly visible sternum, good width of thigh. Sound flowing movement.
3. Neath-Duggan CH BUFFREY SPRIG O MINT JW Almost 10y b/w completed trio of worthy champions. Well laid back shoulder and good front angulation and straight strong forelegs. Firm loin and powerful hindquarters. Moved with purpose.

MPB (2, 0)

1. Harrison-Stratford DALKEREVE DARK DUCHESS 8m b/w displaying appropriate degree of maturity for her age. Nicely boned forelegs, gentle spring of pastern and tight feet. Appealing expression with dark eye. Sound quarters enabled her to edge the class on movement.
2. Thorne DUCHESS OF MOHAVE AT CASTLETOP 8m b/w who is bodying up well. Tight coat and dense pigmentation. Correct amount of bone, tight feet. Nice spring of rib. Attentive and well handled. Could easily change places on another day

PB (5, 0)

1. David & Saunders DALTICINO INTERLAGOS FROM DALLYDYL 10m l/w stood out with her smooth lines and degree of maturity. Excellent length to height, good bend of stifle and defined hocks, straight solid boned forelegs. Good chest and rib. Firm throughout, but correctly not over–muscled at this age. Her relaxed driving stride was accordingly no surprise. BPB.
2. Noble SHULUNE CELTIC SNAPDRAGON Feminine 10m l/w. Very exuberant and hence somewhat difficult to assess standing. Very appealing head and expression, arched neck and defined wither. Came into her own on the move displaying purpose, balance and drive.
3. Wilkinson GWYNMOR HIGH FIVE TO HUNACRES 9m b/w of some substance balanced by appropriate amount of bone. Ears carried correctly, framing head. Nicely spotted with dense pigmentation. Good length of rib, depth of chest and firm loin. Balanced angulation.

JB (18, 3)

1. Gorremans CHARMINDALS MAD ABOUT YOU B/w and one of my surprises of the day. Bold spotting on tight coat. Excellent proportions viewed in profile from arched neck through withers, level topline and gentle arch over croup. Nice underline without exaggerated tuck-up. Very good angulation especially in forequarters.
2. Petersen DAEDALUS CLIFF ANGEL Striking b/w markings on tight coat. Dark eye and lovely feminine expression. Well constructed from nose to tail. Complementary fore and hind angulation giving balance of movement and flowing stride with well held topline.
3. Edens THE ICE QUEEN AT DALENS Quality b/w deserved her place in a very strong class with her collected movement at correct speed. Handler certainly gets the best out of her standing and moving. Soundly proportioned and constructed. Good lay of shoulder and front angulation.

YB (18, 0)

1. Quayle CUBALIBRE FOLLOW ON JW B/w with that perfect balance of symmetry, substance, and femininity. Dense bold spotting on tight pure white coat, in pristine condition. Lovely head and expression, arched neck level topline. Well laid back shoulder and return of upper arm. Straight forelegs, round bone, correct spring to pastern. Well developed hinquarters especially second thigh. Glided round the ring with effortless rhythmic stride, reach and drive, feet seeming to just glance off the floor. BCC & BOB. Watching her represent the breed in the big ring vindicated my decision.
2. Dodds & Pearson KELEVRA CLASSIC CLICHE JW An honest Dalmatian free of exaggeration, this b/w displays a sound make and shape throughout. Good length of rib and strong loin. Nice front with strong round bone. Sound in quarters and displays the desired economical action on the move.
3. Hobbs & Whiting RAPANOOEY RHAPSODY B/w of sound overall conformation, balance and pleasing lines. Nice head and expression. Good depth and spring of rib. Positive movement with good reach and drive earn her place in this competitive class.

PGB (22, 2)

1. Finlay DVOJICA BLACK SWAN AT DALFIN Need to go over this b/w to appreciate her qualities. Slightly taller than some but perfectly balanced length to height and nice conformation. Upright forelegs with good round bone, correct spring of pastern and tight feet. Excellent turn of stifle and defined hocks. Moved and tracked very well.
2. Bowers & Knight TYRODAL ONE STEP AHEAD L/w well grown but of sound construction and outline. Balanced proportions and well angulated quarters. Attentive and well handled. No surprise that she moved in a collected manner, tracking well.
3. Louchart HOPE ALL THE BEST DU MOULIN DE L'AGE Attractively spotted and feminine, slightly longer cast b/w of some substance. Deep chest to elbow and well ribbed. Visible sternum and nice front, neither wide nor narrow. Generous bend of stifle. Rhythmic stride of good length.

MLB (20,1)

1. Gardner DVOJICA BLACK AGAIN AT WRENDRAGGE JW SHCM Quality construction and conformation in this feminine b/w. Excellent topline profile from arched neck, through clean withers, level topline and gently sloping croup. Nice depth and length of rib and therefore underline. Used quarters to advantage and trueness of movement could not be denied.
2. Moate LEIAHART HONOLULU HONEY AT SUNDOWNDAL JW Alert and showy b/w with rich spotting on pure white coat. Good lay of shoulder and angulation of upper arm which, when complimented by balanced bend of stifle, led to smooth powerful stride and correct action.
3. Gardinor DALISPOTS DUBYANA AT DAKATA Elegant l/w, nice head and expression with true amber eye. Sound construction, balance, and good conformation. Positive reach and drive on the move, holding a perfectly level topline and correct tail carriage.

LB (12, 3)

1. Christie JEZEBEL THE ASTONISHING SOPHTSPOT JW Well made b/w of some substance, plenty of bone and toned muscle without compromising elegance. Admired from ringside but even more impressed going over her. Sound in every respect, well angulated front with good length and return of upper arm. Nice stifle and defined hocks. Tracks so well round the ring. Pushed hard in challenge
2. Thorner TOLUTIM EVENSONG AT NARACOOPA B/w who pulled out all the stops on the day. Bold dense attractive marking and presents excellent lines in profile. Good length of upper arm enabled her to reach out as she moved around with a true balanced stride
3. Webb & Chrystal HEAVEN SENT DES DALMATS LA PIERRE SACREE Well put together and unexaggerated b/w with clean defined withers and very good forequarter angulation. Sound hindquarters with toned muscle. Impresses on the move especially in profile.

OB (18, 4)

1. Stocks CH KALOKAIRIE'S LADY BOLLINGER AT NOSPAR JW Unassuming b/w who benefits from being gone over.Even spotting on super tight coat. Balanced outline. Correct head and ear carriage create soft expression. Good depth of chest and spring of rib. Balanced angulated quarters fore and aft. Effortless stride, displaying good length of reach and stride.
2. Gibbs CH PHADANTE DIXIE LILY JW This b/w is so honest in her make shape and conformation. Clean withers, level topline sloping gently over croup, and toned muscled loin. Excellent depth of chest to elbow, well ribbed with good spring. Used well angulated quarters to produce balanced poitive movement.
3. Haywood-Ridgway CH LUCCOMBE STRAWBERRY DREAM JW Showy feminine b/w of some substance. Correct size and such pleasing conformation and proportions. Today she put all her attributes into her movement to earn her place in the strongest class of bitches I have been privileged to judge.

GCB (8, 1)

1. THE ICE QUEEN AT D
2. Barrett MARRICDALE THE GOLD DIGGER OF DALAMANTI SHCM Reserve in VB behind 3 champions, so no surprise she held her own here. Most attentive l/w of nice make and shape.. Moved even more steadily in this class with a smooth rhythmic stride.
3. Pearson IR CH CANNABEE COALBLACK Evenly distributed dense b/w markings on pure white ground. Presented in excellent condition. Nice lay of shoulder and front angulation. Well defined hicks. Moved well.

Judge DR JOHN STEVENSON